Six public testimony sessions and three public hearings on the state's revised fiscal accountability, efficiency and budgeting regulations will be held by the New Jersey Department of Education in June and July, Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy announced today.

"Increased accountability is one of the administration's priorities, and we value public input on these matters," said Commissioner Davy, who will chair the hearings. "That is why we are offering nine opportunities for people to offer their opinions, rather than just the three required by law."

Commissioner Davy said the six public testimony sessions will ensure that people have the opportunity to comment on the regulations while school is still in session.

"Under the Administrative Procedures Act, we cannot schedule regular public hearings until after the new rules are published in the New Jersey Register, which will be June 15, although the regulations are currently available on line at the DOE web site," the Commissioner said. "Once school is out, people will be involved in their summer activities and it could be inconvenient for them to come to the hearings, so we set up the public testimony sessions in June in order to address that issue."

Commissioner Davy noted that the same procedures will be followed at both public meetings and that the Department will provide responses to all comments made at both the testimony sessions and the public hearings.

The public testimony sessions will be held on the following dates at the following locations:

Members of the public who wish to submit testimony and speak at the public testimony sessions and hearings will be required to register and sign a release permitting their voices to be recorded.

On-line registration is available at http://www.education.state.nj.us/events.htm. Those unable to register on-line may register by phone at 609-292-6038. Those testifying should bring an original and one copy of their testimony to be handed in at the hearing. All written comments must include the presenter's full name and address.

The Department of Education will also accept written comments on the regulations through the 60-day comment period. Comments may be submitted by mail to: